Maharaj's Majestic Spin Decimates Australia in ODI Opener

In a standout performance, left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took five wickets for 33 runs, leading South Africa to a commanding 98-run victory over Australia in the first one-day international. Maharaj's impressive bowling helped dismiss Australia for 198, securing a 1-0 lead for the Proteas in the three-match series.

South Africa posted a competitive 296-8, the highest ODI score at Cazaly's Stadium, courtesy of half-centuries from Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Matthew Breetzke. Despite a strong start from Australia, Maharaj's spin turned the game around, with five of their top-order batsmen contributing minimal runs.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh and Ben Dwarshuis mounted a resistance with a 71-run partnership, but it was not enough as Maharaj, alongside Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger, curtailed their innings. South Africa's victory marks a defiant response after their T20 series loss to Australia.

(With inputs from agencies.)